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Hernando Today

Her department is the interior

HT photo by BOB EAST III

Kathleen Nani has opened her new interior design studio, Gionani Interiors, at 11242 Commercial Way in Weeki Wachee.

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By JODY BOWES

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: June 29, 2009

Updated: 06/27/2009 05:25 pm

Kathleen Nani loves a challenge.
She is the owner and primary design consultant of Weeki Wachee's Gionani Interiors. She said she enjoys the challenge of designing a home that a client will be comfortable in.
"It's important they they love it, not me. They are living in it," she said. She spends time getting to know a client's lifestyle and preferences, and encourages new customers to "think about what they like; do a little homework, see what colors and furnishings they gravitate towards, and what they hate."
Gionani's stated mission is "to create a unique look for every home or office while reflecting our client's lifestyle."
"You can't rush to do that," Nani added. "Unless a customer is in a hurry, we won't rush. We are thorough. We need a client's input as much as they need ours."
Gionani has three design consultants available to meet with customers on-site or in their homes.
"We are a complete interior decorating company and retail store," Nani explains. "Our product lines include everything from window blinds, custom draperies, home furnishings, floor planning, design coaching, consultation services, and much more. We offer residential and commercial services. Large projects or small, we assist clients in achieving their decorating goals."
Nani stated they are not relegated to supply any specific brands, so they can target goods to meet a client's budget. Of her services, Nani added, "We believe that as a company we set ourselves apart from other home furnishing retailers by seeing every project through to completion. We offer personal service and will not abandon a client after we have captured 'the big sale.' We help clients 'finish the look,' and will call to follow-up and make sure they have everything they need."
Gionani lists current and future sales and events on their web site and also on Facebook.
Since 2006, Gionani has provided design services and indoor/outdoor drapery products for Patio Paradise in Brooksville, where their outdoor drapery display can be viewed. They recently contracted with Budget Blinds of Land O' Lakes to provide their clients with custom drapery products and decorating services. Nani said they have completed commercial projects for local clients including drapery treatments in the clubhouse of The Villas in Spring Hill. Through their affiliation with Anne Thompson & Associates, they are currently completing the Leesburg Medical Center and Mt. Dora Surgery Center in Lake County.
She said she loves her new studio.
"We're tucked away on 19 north, a little studio with huge potential," she said. "When people find us, they will love us."
Their three-room studio includes a design center, mini-showroom, and an office, all carefully decorated by Nani to represent some of the many styles and fabrics Gionani has to offer. They also carry gift items in an effort to "create a little gift shop for this area, and make it easier for local residents to purchase something special."
She plans to add a perfume line customized with the Gianani name and said to watch for announcements.
Nani studied at Hunter College of the City University of New York, and has a background in management, merchandising, and display. She has 30 years' experience interacting with clients in a retail environment. She said she began working in interior decorating after relocating from New York to Hernando County in 2001. Since she first opened Gianani Interiors in 2006 she said she has "provided residents of Hernando County including those in Timber Pines, Glen Lakes, Silverthorne, Pristine Place and more with quality products."
She chose the company name as a tribute to her parents, by combining the first three letters of her mother's maiden name, Giovannettone, with her father's family name, Nani.
"Interior decorating has always been my passion," Nani explains, "and it was time for me to leave a lasting impression of my accomplishments. Opening Gionani Interiors presented me with the opportunity to make a difference in my client's homes and offices as well as in my community." Nani offers to speak at local community meetings or events about decorating trends, staging, and redesign; and she will do informational seminars for any organization in Hernando County. She recently wrote an article titled, "Redecorating on a Budget," which will be posted on her website and on Facebook. Nani added, "Our goal is continued growth in an effort to create jobs for local residents and subcontractors, and to provide educational information and support to Hernando County. Our continued success will help us to support other small businesses in our area." Nani said it is their pleasure to serve their community and to add to the beautification of Hernando County.
Her vision for the future is "to provide clients in the area with the ultimate in service and decorating concepts, enabling my company to expand not only into the remaining portion of our present building, but beyond."
Gionani is a member of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce and The Window Coverings Association of America, and looks forward to is new affiliate membership with the Interior Design Society (IDS). The public is invited to their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Sept. 30. Special offers and giveaways will be announced. Call or check their Web site or Facebook for information.
Gionani Interiors is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and evenings by appointment.

Biz at a glance:
Name of biz - Gionani Interiors
Where it is - 11242 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee (in the Winward Realty Building)
Get in touch - 352-596-9950, gionaniinteriors@tampabay.rr.com
Web site - www.gionaniinteriors.com (also on Facebook)

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